Chapter Text
“Are you afraid….?”
A deep, cold voice asks. Leonard sits in the middle of the bed wearing a veil that covers his face, and it is draped covering most of the massive bed. He didn’t dare to look up.
“No…”
Two pairs of eyes opened and looked down at Leonard. Fog started to surround him, and what looked to be tentacles slowly moved around like they were swimming across the foggy ocean.
“As for fairness, you may ask me a question.”
Leonard hesitated. He looks up at the figure covered in fog. “Will you kill me?”
The fog stands still, and the glowing eyes lowered. “No. You are her goddess’s angel and blessed. You are a gift. Thus, I will protect you. Do you hate me?”
Leonard's eyes squinted. “No. I loathe you. I’ll never submit to an evil god like you.”
The figure behind the fog smiled. “Interesting. How disappointing.”
————————————————-
Leonard woke up and looked around his room. He got up and slowly made his way to a window. He looked out to see people already starting to gather around the cathedral. Trying to get the best spots. Doves flew up into the sky singing about.
Knock knock.
“Come in.”
A wave of servants came in and bowed down. Holding everything from washing to the long wedding gown. In the middle stands a tall man with a receding hairline. He wears a black and red decan robe representing the Church of Evernight.
Leonard turned around, and his solemn mood quickly changed. He gave the man a weak smile. “Captain Dunn. You look nice in your new outfit. Doesn’t quite fit your style, though.”
Dunn smiled. “It’s deacon now. The goddess has tasked me to help you get ready.”
Leonard laughed. “Since when are Decans tasked with wedding preparations?”
Dunn clapped, and the servants started getting Leonard ready, washing his body and brushing his hair. “Since you were betrothed to lord Mr.Fool. She said you would be more comfortable with me.”
Leonard held his hands up to let the servants wash and dry him. “Does it matter? Not like I can see you again.”
“I heard Lord Mr.Fool is a fair and kind god. If you asked I’m sure he’ll allow some visits. I can give you Miss Daly’s messenger.”
Leonard scoofed. “Doubt it. Anyways…how’s your promotion? I was locked up here the day the war ended.”
Dunn closed his eyes and smiled. “Actually…it’s been well. Now that the war has ended, the top generals are deacons like me. The damages felt in the war have been quickly fixed. Many cities have been rebuilt overnight. It was almost like we had never been in a war. All thanks to lord Mr.Fool.
Leonard’s mouth twitched. “You sound more like his follower than the Evernight goddess’s follower.”
He laughs. “Maybe I should switch so I can stay with you. They have an alliance, so switching churches is no problem. ‘He’ actually accepts all pathways.”
Leonard shook his head. “No. It’s fine. You have Miss Daly now. I can take care of myself. Please give my blessings to the team.”
Dunn bows down. “Of course.”
———————————————-
A long carriage waited for Leonard with several horses on it. He slowly got up and struggled to sit properly on the carriage. Although it was large, his long, heavy veil took up almost all of the room, making it cramped and uncomfortable. The long train of his suit didn’t make things easier. It took multiple people to stuff his train into the carriage. Once it was all shoved inside and the door closed, the carriage started to move, taking Leonard to The Fool’s church for the wedding.
He closed his eyes for a second to sigh in relief. Once he opened his eyes again, he saw two strangers sitting in front of him. He jolted in shock. He didn’t feel their presence or hear them teleport in. One of the men looked like a wandering magician, while the other looked like a cold, crazy adventurer.
“Sorry to startle you. We are Mr.Fool’s angels. We are here to protect and assist you.” Merlin spoke.
Leonard looked at both of them, confused. “Okay…you guys are…?”
“I’m Merlin Hermes. Originally, I’m supposed to be your stylist, but Klein can’t teleport, so I’m your butler for now. He’s Gehrman Sparrow. Your new bodyguard.”
Merlin explained, holding his hand out to Gehrman. Gehrman looked at Leonard for a second with a side eye and then looked away out the window.
Rude…Klein…?
“You just wanted to see the bride early. You could’ve just teleported him like me.” Gehrman spoke with an annoyed tone.
Merlin laughed. “Oh, come on, play along a little at least. You wanted to see the bride as much as I did.”
Leonard stared at them, confused, but didn’t interject.
———————————————-
The carriage made its way to Mr.Fool’s church. It’s as big as Evernight's main church. The door and pillars were shaped similarly to a pupil-less eye and contorted lines. The way the building bends makes it look impossible but also impressive.
Gehrman got out first and held open the door. Merlin got out second, and both of them held out their hands. Merlin’s hand was wearing a glove, but Gehrman offered his hand without the glove. Leonard looked at their hands and hesitated. He slowly grabbed their hands and carefully stepped out of the carriage. Merlin took off his hat and smiled at Gehrman.
“We can’t let our bride walk, can we? That double train is heavy, you know. It's 9.072 kilograms at least.”
German sighed. He turned his head away. “I wish to teleport to the bride’s accommodation.”
Merlin giggled. “Your wish is my command.”
He takes out his top hat, and a bunch of doves come out. They flap around the pair, and a symbol appears under their feet. Leonard looked down in shock. His eyes widened, and before he knew it, he was suddenly dragged into a void. He struggled to keep his eyes open. A bunch of different colored light appears before him, and a second later, they all made it to the bedroom. Leonard almost lost his balance from the sudden change. Gehrman grabbed his hand and put his hand on Leonard’s back to support him. Leonard pushes Gehrman off.
“Don’t touch me! Where are we?!”
Merlin smiled and held up his hands. “This is your new bedroom.”
Leonard looked around the huge room in shock. He scanned the room that was covered in red with gold accents and strange symbols. Even the bed was red.
Merlin smiled and teleported around the room. “Red means good luck. This symbol means Double Happiness.”
Leonard looked down at the bed and saw it had a bunch of snacks from Dates, peanuts, chestnuts, and lotus seeds. He was confused about why foods are on the bed, but he put up a date and ate it slowly.
“The food on the bed symbolizes fertility and the hope for children,” Gehrman explained in a monotone voice.
Leonard almost choked on his date. He swallowed hard, forcing it down his throat, and started to violently cough. He looked at Gehrman in shock. “What other wedding traditions does your church have?!”
Suddenly, the whole building started to shake. The three of them almost fell from how violently it shook. Somehow, the fruits on the bed didn’t move an inch. Merlin smiled.
“Oh, this is the best part! The groom gives the bride a bunch of gifts and breaks down the door!” Merlin said with glee.
“THE DOOR?!” Leonard said in shock and horror. He grabbed onto a pillar to stop himself from falling.
Gehrman grabbed his shoulders and made Leonard sit down on the bed next to the fruit. He grabbed Leonard’s veil and threw it over his face. “Stay. We will protect you.”
If it’s the groom…then that means…the person at the door is Mr.Fool!
The two of them walked to the door. The door creaked open. Leonard slowly tilted his head up, but his veil clouded his vision. He started to tremble and sweat. The presence of a god terrified him. Before, the most he would get was revelations from the goddess in dreams. But they were always cryptic, and he never actually saw her. The closest he would see is Miss Arianna taking her place. Suddenly, a wave of gifts came through the door and floated over. The once huge room looked small. Leonard jumped at the amount of gifts was given, from food to gold to gold statues. The tall figure walked over to Leonard and stood in front of him. Leonard lowered his head. Sweat fell onto his hands, and he started to tremble. Leonard clings to his pants.
“Is everything to your liking?” The Fool asked with a whisper, trying to sound comforting.
Leonard bit his lip. He flinched when Mr.Fool reached out his hand. He slowly pulled his hand back. “No….”
Leonard lowers his head more. He wanted to curl up and hide. “I want to go home…”
“This is your home now. I can not. You are bestowed upon me by your goddess.”
“I know!!!” Leonard yelled.
The room went dead silent. No one dared to talk or breathe. After a minute of silence, The Fool turned twoarf shis angles. “Where’s Klein?”
“Preparing the wedding…He should be greeting the other gods in the Church by now…” Merlin explained hesitantly.
“Switch places. Gehrman. You greet our honorable guests.”
“By your will, Mr.Fool.” Both of them teleported, leaving only Leonard and Mr.Fool.
The Fool turned back to Leonard. He holds out a charm that looks like a symbol of the Evernight. Leonard slowly lifted his head. He looked at the charm. The charm was alluring, and for some reason, it helped Leonard calm down his nerves. He slowly put his hand on it. The Fool grabbed Leonard’s hand and pulled him up to his feet.
Leonard's eyes widened, and he pushed him off. Leonard accidentally stepped back and tripped on his own long veil. He fell back onto the bed. The whole bed shook and creaked. Some of the food somehow fell and rolled all over the ground. The charm dropped onto the floor with a loud clang. Leonard slowly opened his eyes to see a chin and a mouth open like it was in shock. Leonard's spiritual intuition went off like crazy.
Don’t look…Don’t look…Don’t look…Don’t look at god!!
He closed his eyes and turned his head away as fast as he could. Mr.Fool loomed over Leonard's shaking body. His gaze focused on Leonard’s neck.
Mr. Fool's hand reached out again. His thumb caresses his cheek, and long fingers slowly trace down his neck. Each touch sent shivers down Leonard’s spine and made his stomach turn. He bit his lip, clenching onto the bed.
Shing….
Another person appeared in the room. He was a skinny man with soft features and short brown hair. He bowed down, not wanting to interrupt. Mr.Fool paused for a minute. He slowly pulled his hand away and stood up.
“Watch over him. Make sure he’s relaxed and obedient by then.”
“By your will…Mr.Fool.” The young man replied.
Mr. Fool disappeared into thin air. The man turned to Leonard and walked over to him. Leonard jolted his eyes open and sat up. His veil fell off his head, and he looked up in shock. His eyes widend and he almost went pale like he saw a ghost. It was a huge whiplash.
“Klein…Klein Moretti?”
Klein smiled. “We meet again…My dear poet.”
Leonard got up from the bed in shock and grabbed Klein’s shoulders. He almost couldn’t believe his eyes. “H-how??? I saw you die! You died with your heart ripped out on the battlefield!”
Klein nodded. “I did die, but somehow Mr.Fool saved me.”
Leonard's mouth twitched. He hugs Klein. “We can run away now. We can leave and live off-grid. I don’t need all of this. All I need is you. Come back, Klein…”
Klein looked at him. “I can’t…go back…I am bound to him. We are bound to him.”
Leonard stiffened at his words. He slowly let go of Klein and lowered his head. Klein stared at him and slowly picked up the charm. He pins the charm onto Leonard’s suit and slowly puts the veil on him. He fixes Leonard’s clothes. His eyes lowered.
“Don’t be too mad. It wasn’t his decision.” Klein said hesitantly.
Leonard looked up. “Are you saying it’s my goddess’s fault?”
Klein hesitated to answer. He turns his head away. “Even though we are angles we can not understand the reasoning of the gods.”
The room went quiet. After a bit, Klein spoke up, holding out his hand. “Leonard…It’s almost time.”
Leonard slowly grabbed Klein’s hand. He took out Merlin’s wand and waved it around them both, teleporting them to the front of the cathedral. Leonard turned to the gate, and a bunch of ravens came flying down around Leonard. One of them dropped a bouquet into Leonard’s hand. The crows carefully lifted Leonard’s long veil and train so it was easier to walk. The music from the cathedral started to play, and the gates slowly opened. Klein stepped back and burst into a bunch of crows. They flew into the cathedral, showing the aisle with red rose petals. Leonard took a deep breath and slowly walked down the aisle alone.
He looked straight ahead, not daring to look at anyone. The room was filled with other gods and angels. His hands trembled as the pressure of everyone’s eyes weight in his shoulders. His speed started to slow significantly when he got closer to the front. It was like each step was getting more and more difficult, and a bolder falling onto his shoulder in each step.
“Placate.” A soft, gentle voice echoes in his head.
Leonard turned his head to see a beautiful lady staring at him. Her green eyes sparkled like jewels. Her blond hair stood out from her black dress. She gave Leonard a reassuring and comforting smile. She hits him with another placate to calm his nerves. It was Miss Justice, Aubrey. One of the highest angles in The Church of Mr.Fool is known as the tarot club.
Leonard nodded at her and continued walking. In shock as he walked up to the front, he could see familiar faces in the front row seats. It was the Nighthawks. Captain Dunn, Miss Dely, Old Neil, Kenley, and Frye. Everyone he cared about. Sitting on his side of the Evernight Goddess. Shockingly, he expected the gods to sit at the front, but it was everyone he cared about. He turned his head to see Klein sitting on the other side of Mr.Fool. Next to Klein were Sherlock Moriarty, Gehrman Sparrow, Dwyane Dantes, and Merlin Hermes. Behind them were the tarot card members.
I wonder what negotiations took place to get the angels to sit up front before the gods…
But somehow seeing all those at the front made him feel better. Leonard walked up to the alter sanding next to the tall figure. The tall figure that looks to have tentacles coming out of its feet. Even when out in the open, he was still mostly covered in slight fog and a long veil covering his figure. But this time it was red and gold. A striking difference from Leonard’s long black veil. Adorned with countless rhinestones representing the beautiful night sky of the Evernight goddess.
After the preacher said the speech, he asked if anyone had any objections. No one said anything. The preacher spoke.
“First bow…Heaven and Earth for Blessings.”
The pair bowed at the same time.
“Second bow…Sky Lord of Heaven and Earth for Blessing.”
The pair turned to face the audience and bowed to them.
“Third bow…your love for Blessings.”
The pair turned to each other and bowed one last time. Mr.Fool slowly lifts up his hand. Leonard closed his eyes. Mr.Fool slowly lifts up Leonard’s veil and puts it behind his head. Mr.Fool didn’t move. He waited for Leonard. Leonard slowly opened his eyes. He looked up, and his eyes widened. He stared into Mr.Fool’s face. He slowly revealed himself to Leonard and only Leonard. His face was covered by his veil. Leonard's breath hitched.
Mr.Fool’s eyes were yellow. It didn’t look hollow, but a man in pain. A lonely man who longed for touch. A handsome man who somehow looked like a mix of multiple faces into one. Someone who looked ordinary and extraordinary at the same time. Every fiber in Leonard’s body is yelling at him not to look, but he can’t move his body. It was like his eyes was glused to him.
“You may now kiss the bride.”
Everyone waited in anticipation, but neither of them moved. Both of them stared at each other's faces for what felt like an eternity. Mr.Fool leaned in a bit and made their foreheads touch to snap Leonard out of his trance. He blinked and looked down. His gaze landed on Mr.Fool’s lips. He hesitated. Everyone was staring quietly on the edge of their seats. Leonard slowly tilts his head to the side. He hesitated and leaned in. Mr.Fool tilts his head to the other side to cover their lips from the audience. He slowly leaned in and gave Leonard a gentle kiss. Their lips touched.
Ring! Ring! Ring!
The bell rang the moment they kissed, and everyone started to clap. Mr.Fool lifts his hand cupped Leonard’s cheek, covering more of his face. He leaned in and deepened the kiss. Their lips crashed into each other. It was intoxicating. When one pulled away, the other would lean back in for more. Their tongues would touch and flick against each other with each kiss. The cheers got louder. But a while and a cough from the preacher snapped both of them back to reality. They were almost on the verge of making out.
Mr.Fool waved his hand and pulled out a red decorative umbrella from the void. It had a golden dragon printed on it and silver decorative chains dripping down it. Mr.Fool held out his hand, and Laonard slowly held his hand. His face started to blush in embarrassment from the kiss. Mr.Fool held the umbrella at an angle to hide Leonard’s eyes. As they walked, the silver chains rustled and clanged against each other, ringing across the Church. People sitting in the aisle started throwing rose petals as they walked past. Once they made their way out of the gates, a carriage was waiting for them. It looked much grander and almost like it was a fairytale. It was white with a lot more white horses waiting for the command. The carriage didn’t have a roof, but it was made for two. Leonard slowly lifted up his leg and got into the carriage. Mr.Fool floated up his side and sat across from him.
“Where are we going?”
“Sefirah castle”
“Huh?!”
His eyes widened, and before he knew it, the carriage started to move. The horses ran, and slowly it started to run into the air. Leonard grabbed onto the edge of the carriage in shock and worry about going into Sefriah Castle. A black portal opened, and the carriage ran through it. Next thing Leonard knew, they were standing in his room.
Leonard looked around, even more confused.
“Where did you think your room was?” Mr.Fool asked.
“I don’t know your church???” He replied.
He squints his eyes. “Wait, so all of that carriage stuff was unnecessary?"
Mr.Fool turned around. “Even as a god, I need to keep up appearances.”
Leonard scoffed. Mr.Fool turned to the side. Suddenly, two figures appear. It was Klein and Merlin.
“Get Leonard ready for tonight.”
He said before disappearing again. Merlin smiled and sighed. He snaps his fingers, and Leonard's veil lifts from his head. Leonard looked up and looked at Klein. “Get ready for what?”
“Your bath. Then dinner and sleep.” He said, walking over to Leonard. He held a towel in his hand.
Leonard raised an eyebrow. “No…party…?”
Merlin smiled and leaned behind Leonard, suddenly appearing behind him. “Do you want one? I can easily prepare one. Mr.Fool and most of the gods aren’t the party type.”
Leonard hesitated. “Uh….I’ll pass.”
Leonard looked down to see that his suit started to unbutton by itself. He turned around, feeling a bit embarrassed. “I can take a bath by myself.”
Merlin and Klein looked at each other. Klein sighed. “Alright. We will be waiting. Call us when you’re done.”
—————————————
Leonard walked out with his hair damp and with a robe that was provided by Klein. He looked at the two men standing before him. Merlin smiled. “Do you wish your hair to be dry?”
Leonard touched his hair. “Sure. I guess. I want some snacks too before bed. I’m too tired for dinner.”
Merlin smiled and took off his hat. He took his hand in and took out a plate of dates, peanuts, chestnuts, and lotus seeds. He placed the plate on the cabinet next to the bed. He took out a wand from the hat and tapped Leonard’s head, making his hair instantly dry. “Your wish is my command.”
Both of them then teleported away, leaving Leonard alone. Leonard stared at the ceiling. He plops a lotus seed into his mouth as he tries to process what happened in a couple of hours. He curls up in bed. “…what the hell…everyone here is insane…”
The Fool suddenly appeared, looking over Leonard. “Does that include me?”
Leonard jumped and sat up. He backed away in shock. “Guah! Ever heard of knocking? Why are you here?”
“Normally, one is supposed to consummate their marriage right now.” He replied.
Leonard's eyes widened. His face flushed red, and he backed up away from Mr.Fool as far as he could.
“Don’t worry. I won’t do anything.” He looked out the window.
“But the other gods are listening. Including your goddess. It was part of the agreement.”
Leonard blinked, and his eyes widened again. But this time, it was in fear that so many gods were listening in on their conversation.
That’s what you negotiated on?! Why would they even agree?!
The fool turned to Leonard. “Just fake your moans.”
Leonard opens his mouth. “Ah ... Ah…” he struggles to come out with a convincing moan.
The Fool sat there quietly. The wave of disappointment looms over Leonard. Leonard panics a bit. “I don’t even know how I sound when I moan!”
The Fool turned his head to the side. “Pft.”
Leonard's eyes widened.
Did Mr.Fool just laugh????
It was more like Mr.Fool purposely laughed to calm Leonard down. Leonard tilts his head. He thought outloud. “Do…you think I can see your face again?”
Mr.Fool paused and thought about it. He turned back to Leonard. “If you stared at my face for a couple of more seconds, you would’ve lost control.”
Leonard thought about it, and he remembered how he could pull his eyes away. He slowly nodded. “The other gods….are they listening now…?”
“No. They can only hear what I allow.”
Leonard sighed in a bit of relief. “Can’t I just recite some poetry?”
“You would anger your goddess and make her look bad.”
Leonard lowered his head. He gives up. “I guess…If you let me look at your face for a couple of seconds, it’ll be fine.”
“Is that what you really want?”
Leonard nods. He gulps and prepares himself. His gaze slowly runs up Mr.Fool’s body and up to his face. The fog around his face slowly disappeared again, revealing only his eyes. However, they didn’t look golden yellow this time. They look brown. Almost human. It was even more captivating. Mr.Fool slowly moved his hand close to Leonard’s. Their fingers intertwined, and Mr.Fool gently pushed him down onto the bed.
Leonard’s head lay on the plush, fluffy pillows. He looked up, not breaking away from the gaze for a second.
“Your hands…They feel warm…”
The Fool smiled at Leonard. “And yours feel cold.”
He slowly lowered himself. He placed a small kiss on Leonard’s lips. The soft lips slowly pulled back, and Leonard hesitated before leaning in to kiss Mr.Fool back. Slowly, their kisses started to get more passionate. Their lips crashed against each other, and their tongues would occasionally wrap around each other.
“Mm….” Leonard gasped in between kisses and accidentally let out a soft breath moan.
Mr.Fool slowly broke away from the kiss and kissed down his chin to his neck. Leonard turned his head away and gasped again. He bit his own finger to muffle his moan out of instinct. Mr.Fool grabbed Leonard’s hand to stop him from muffling his moan. He opened his mouth and bit onto Leoanrd’s neck while caressing his thigh.”
Leonard's eyes widened, and he kicked his leg up. “Ah…!”
Mr.Fool suddenly stopped. He pulled again. Leonard looked up at him. His face is now covered in fog again. He breathes heavily. “Haa…ah….why…?”
“That’s all I needed. We didn’t negotiate how many moans. I don’t think they want to hear more anyway.”
Leonard's heavy breathing didn’t stop. He stared at Mr.Fool as he slowly got up.
“Good night. Remember to sacrifice some of the gifts to your goddess in the morning.”
He said, walking out of the room, and slowly closed the door. Leonard flopped back onto the bird and curled up.
I have to leave…Before he or this place consumes me